Tomorrow, revenge

Liam shoved the adult holding him and took off running.

"The kid's running!" someone shouted.

Several adults broke into a sprint, trying to catch him, but Liam was fast. He weaved through the park like he had done it a hundred times before, dodging benches and trees with ease. His body moved with precision, each step calculated. When he reached the park's perimeter, he didn't even hesitate. He vaulted over the fence in one swift motion and disappeared into the darkness beyond.

The adults chasing him slowed down, panting.

"Damn kid's quick," one of them muttered.

"Forget it," another said, shaking his head. "He's gone."

Meanwhile, Henry wasn't as lucky. More adults had grabbed hold of him, making sure he wouldn't try the same stunt. He struggled at first, trying to shake them off, but there were too many. Four pairs of hands held him in place, gripping his arms tightly.

"You got a lot of explaining to do, kid," one of the men said, his voice laced with irritation. "Why were you two even fighting?"

Henry clenched his jaw and looked away. He wasn't about to explain himself to some random grown-ups.

One of the adults turned to Kate and Michael. "You his friend, miss?"

Kate hesitated before nodding. "Yes... Yes, I am." Her voice trembled slightly.

"You know where he lives?"

"I do."

"Then you better inform his parents," the man said. "We're taking him to the police station."

Michael stood frozen, his face pale as he watched the adults drag Henry away. His older brother—the one who always seemed untouchable—was being taken like a common troublemaker.

"Get your damn hands off me," Henry growled, but he didn't resist any further. He knew it was pointless.

"Shut it, tough guy," one of the men scoffed. "You're already in enough trouble."

Henry clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms.

---

The walk felt longer than it should have. The adults wouldn't stop talking.

"So what, you some wannabe delinquent?" one of them asked.

"Picking fights in a public park like some punk?" another added.

"What did that other kid even do? You two got some personal grudge?"

Henry ignored them, his eyes fixed on the ground ahead.

"I've seen kids like you before," one of them continued. "Think they're untouchable until they get a record. You know a fight like this can go on your file, right?"

Henry's jaw tightened, but he still didn't respond.

"You think this is funny?"

He wasn't thinking about them. His mind was elsewhere.

---

Noah had seen everything.

Hidden behind a tree, he had watched Henry and Liam fight like wild animals. He had seen Henry get dragged away like a criminal. His body was still trembling from the sight of it.

For the first time in his life, he realized something—Henry wasn't invincible.

Noah had always believed his brother was untouchable, the strongest person he knew. But tonight, Liam had proved otherwise. Henry could bleed. Henry could lose.

Shaken, Noah turned and walked away, heading back toward Liam's house.

When he arrived, Liam was already there, leaning against the doorframe, panting, his hands on his knees as he caught his breath.

"You saw everything, didn't you?" Liam asked between breaths.

"Yeah," Noah replied quietly.

Liam let out a long sigh. "Damn. Sorry, kiddo. Didn't mean for you to see all that."

Noah shook his head. "It's fine."

Liam straightened up, rolling his shoulders. "Come on, let's go inside."

As they stepped in, Noah turned to Liam. "So what do you think is going to happen to Henry?"

Liam scoffed. "Nothing major. The cops will call his parents, give him a warning, and let him go."

"You sure?"

Liam smirked. "Why? You worried about that motherfucker?"

Noah crossed his arms. "Nah. Not at all."

Liam grinned. "Good. Then maybe I should've beat him up a little more."

Noah let out a small chuckle. "Maybe I should've joined you."

Liam raised an eyebrow, then laughed. "Damn. Your sense of humor's improving. I like it." He ruffled Noah's hair like a proud older brother.

Noah laughed, but deep down, his mind was still stuck on the image of Henry on the ground, bloodied and beaten.

---

### **At the Police Station**

Inside the station, Henry sat on a metal bench, his arms crossed over his chest. The air smelled of stale coffee and disinfectant. Fluorescent lights buzzed overhead.

A police officer stood in front of him, holding a notepad. "Alright, kid. Name?"

Henry exhaled through his nose. "Henry Anderson."

"Age?"

"Seventeen."

The officer jotted it down. "And you're here because you were fighting in a public park. That right?"

Henry shrugged. "That's right."

The officer studied him for a moment. "Any particular reason? Or do you just enjoy punching people for fun?"

Henry didn't answer.

The officer sighed. "Look, kid, this is simple. Give us your parents' number, we call them, they pick you up, and you go home. No charges, just a warning."

Henry didn't respond. His mind was still racing with questions.

How did Liam know about Noah? Had he been watching them this whole time? If so, why? What was he planning?

Henry clenched his fists.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow, he was going to make Liam talk.